Meet the Team: Kelly

Kelly Barnes interned with Whiffletree in the fall of 2022, then came on as a full time employee. With a million dollar smile, the best organizing abilities in the world, and a heart full of love for people, we’re so blessed to have her as part of our team.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Columbia, MO and moved to Fredericksburg, VA in 2000.

What did you do before you came to farming/Whiffletree?

Prior to farming, I was a carpenter and a caregiver. For several years, I worked on a farm one day a week, growing and harvesting vegetables. I was a Whiffletree customer for seven years before starting my internship here.

What inspired you to become a farmer?

I’ve struggled with chronic health issues for over half my life time. Eating chemical free food for even just a month produced such a dramatic reduction in the severity of my symptoms. This discovery steered my life in a new direction. Learning to produce food that could assist in healing my body rather than making me sicker became my goal. Studying nutrition became my hobby. Working on a farm became my dream. 

What are some things you didn’t expect to learn that farming has taught you?

Some things that I didn't expect to learn from farming:

• How accurately cartoons depict animal characteristics and tendencies.
  
• How relatable Jesus’s parables are to a farmer.
  
• How deceptive marketing is regarding conventionally farmed food

What do you hope to accomplish through farming?

Someday I hope to utilize my farming experience in mission work, teaching people practical skills to provide for their families and communities. I would love to help victims rescued from human trafficking heal and build new lives.

Most memorable Whiffletree experience?

My most memorable Whiffletree experience is planting a six foot snake skin in a city-boy intern’s car for him to discover later.

What’s your favorite animal on the farm? And why?

My favorite animals are the cattle and the turkeys. The cattle are so peaceful to watch as they graze. Sometimes they skip around you in excitement when you move them to fresh pasture. The turkeys are so full of personality and interactive. They are curious and like to talk back to you. Seeing them strut around and fan their wings when they are only 6 inches tall is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Favorite hobby?  Or favorite things you like to do when not working?  

Studying the Bible is one of my favorite ways to spend my time off. I also enjoy gardening, foraging, sewing, making jewelry, reading books and listening to music.

Favorite dish you like to make with a Whiffletree item?

Beef short ribs with a homemade rub are one of my favorite things to make. Slow cooked in a crock pot, they come out perfect every time. They are even delicious cold, for a quick leftovers lunch on the go.